PROCEDURE:
Have the students brainstorm
a list of Alaska wildlife and a list of domestic pets.
Write three column
headings up on the board: People, Pets, Alaska Wildlife.
Ask the students, “What
do people need in order to be able to live?” List the students'
ideas in a column under people. Do the same for pets and Alaska
wildlife.
From these lists have
the students group the ideas that go together. Have the students
narrow the list down and come up with essential survival needs
for people, pets, and Alaska wildlife. The most basic needs should
be the same for all three groups: food, water, shelter, and space.
Make a habitat grid
on a big piece of paper. (See example below.)
Have the students work
in small groups or individually. They are to choose an Alaskan
animal (excluding Dall sheep) and research the habitat requirements.
Have the students answer the following questions: What do I know
already about this animal? What do I want to know about this animal
and its habitat? Where can I find out more about this animal?
What did I learn when I looked up information about this animal?
Using the information
from their research, have the students fill out the habitat grid.
Each group should present their findings to the rest of the class
(remind them what makes a good presentation and effective scientific
communication).
Next, have the students
research the same questions about Dall sheep. Add the information
about Dall sheep.
Have a group discussion
about the similar needs of Dall sheep to other Alaska animals.
Discuss the differences.
EXTENSIONS:
Have the students write
a short story about the animal that they researched. Put all the
stories and pictures together and make a class book of Alaska
animals.
SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT:
Have the students paint
a picture (or use any other art medium) that depicts all the habitat
needs for that animal.
Have the student list
the four habitat components that plants and animals need for survival.
CREDIT:
Adapted from Habitat
Grid, Wildlife for the Future, Alaska Wildlife Curriculum,
Teacher’s Guide K-8.
